Ryan Thomas. Photo / Getty Images
It has been the season of the youngsters in the A-League and All Whites. Tyler Boyd , Louis Fenton, Matthew Ridenton and company are a new breed seizing their chances.
Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick deserves credit for his faith in local products. The pay-off will be huge.
One who has kind of slipped under the radar, the most exciting prospect of all, is 19-year-old Ryan Thomas who made his All Whites' debut against Japan in March.
Ryan who? He plays regularly in the Dutch first division for Zwolle on the same stage as mighty Ajax, and European giant Feyenoord.
From Te Puke, Thomas was discovered by former All White Declan Edge - a talented player himself - who runs a Waikato soccer academy. Chris Milicich also had the foresight to play Ryan in the under-20 World Cup when the critics said he was too small. Edge arranged a trial for Ryan in Holland. Their coach liked what he saw and the rest, as they say, is history.
It's no secret the All Whites have lacked attack from midfield. Ryan was our best player against Japan - he more than matched it with the vaunted Japanese midfielders. What a thrill to have unearthed a midfield player who can think, pass, has fast feet and is creative.
Three vital midfielders of the last 20 years - Steve Sumner, Michael McGarry and Tim Brown - were leaders who scored goals. Young Ryan leads and organises despite the looks of a choirboy and knows where the net is.
Dare I mention the great name, but his path could mirror that of Wynton Rufer, who played in the unfashion-able Swiss League as part of his apprenticeship. I rang Ryan Thomas to find out more about this country's next big soccer hope who could be in the Rufer and Ryan Nelsen class.
Were you from a soccer family?
Mum (Debbie) and Dad (Mike) played for Onehunga Sports.
Who has influenced you most?
Declan Edge - I spent eight years with him
Your favourite player?
Andres Iniesta (Barcelona).
You are a fan of ...
Dad comes from Manchester and I grew up supporting United. I now follow the better football and players ... Barcelona, Real Madrid.
What's your favourite position?
Attacking midfielder, but recently I've played left midfield.
Ambitions?
To play at the highest level possible. I grew up watching the English Premier League so that definitely interests me. Any top club - Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich wouldn't be too bad.
Injuries?
I am filling out but the body is tired from a hectic season and changes in lifestyle. I'm looking forward to coming home in May to refresh ... and being looked after by mum.
What's on the horizon?
Zwolle are in the Dutch Cup final this month facing Ajax. We have a great chance of playing in the Europa League next season which is very exciting.
• The doomsdayers are bemoaning the Phoenix's failure to make the A-league playoffs. But injuries to key players such as Albert Riera, who ran the midfield and was the legs for Carlos Hernandez, hit the Phoenix hard as they were getting a run together. Silly suspensions to Manny Muscat (again), Ben Sigmund and Kenny Cunningham hurt. The positive side is the young players who have cemented a place.
Fullback is a problem, especially on left side. Andrew Durante and Sigmund lack pace and Michael Boxall must move to centre back. I support Vince Lia's new contract despite the doubters because of his dependability and versatility. There are definite problems up front: Stein Huysegems misses more than he scores and is slow, I am not convinced about Cunningham's attitude or ability, and Jeremy Brockie can't have another woeful season.
But Merrick's attacking style is a breath of fresh air. They will make the playoffs next season. Trust me.